Head gasket replacement question

[jbperkins]

A friend of mine has run across a 1987 2WD automatic Mighty Max for next to nothing ($175). I'm not sure if it's the 2.0 or the 2.6. It was a daily driver until last week when the head gasket blew. He asked me if I would be interested in replacing the head gasket. I've got a full shop (hand tools, air tools, press, 2-post lift, etc) and I've done plenty of engine work on GM V8s, motorcycles, and ATVs. How much time am I looking at to replace the head gasket on either motor?
-Jim

[79D50]

1. Take air cleaner assembly off
2. Take spark plug wires off (number accordingly)
3. Disconnect PCV and Smog Lines and take off Valve Cover
3. Take off Fuel Lines to Carb and disconnect water inlets/brake booster/EGR lines etc.
4. Make sure everyhting is labelled and disconnected from the intake and carb
5. Unbolt Exhaut Manifold
6. Unbolt torque bolts and lift entire head/intake/carb assembly off of motor - this way you dont have to replace the intake gasket if you don't need to.
7. Inspect head for cracks, inspect pistons/rings/cylinders for wear. If you see any type of unusual wear i.e. scoring, pitting, etc on the cylinder walls then you need to inspect rod and main bearings.
8. Clean mating sufaces with acetone
9. Replace head gasket with a 9116PT Felpro gasket (2.6 only). They use these on the turbo cars and they hold up better than N/A gaskets.
10. Use the black RVT (sparingly)

If you are a mechanical guy and are well equipped with tools etc, then this should take you no more than 2 hours max. If your not familiar with the 2.0 or 2.6 then label and mark everything or snap a shot of the engine with a digital camera.

Use the search function for head bolt FAQ's and Torque Specs.

[jbperkins]

Thanks for the step-by-step. I'll tell my buddy to drop the truck off.

[leonwold]

i did it in a day with no clue what i was doing when it was freezing outside and im 17 so it shouldnt be that hard to figure out.

[Vantastic1]

I did it on my 2.4l Van. Really not that hard to do. Just keep track of all the nuts and bolts, and its probably not a bad idea to get a manual. Also, you should make sure the head and block arent warped if the gasket blew. Check all the valves and cylinder walls.

[mikewarme]

Do you own a sawzall?








(Sorry I just had too

[pennyman1]

I'm surprized no one mentioned the head bolts are torque to yield and must be replaced when they are untorqued. If reused, they will loosen up and the gasket will fail again.